Mystery Rider by Miralee Ferrell

she’s as mean as she tried to act. I think maybe some other kids have been harassing her, and she thought we were them. She was protecting her property, like anyone would do.”
    Kate bit her lip. “I don’t think everyone would protect it with a rifle.”
    Tori planted her hands on her hips. “I agree, but she’s an old lady, and if she lives alone and people have been bugging her, she might feel she has to do that.”
    Kate thought for a moment, remembering what she’d seen at the very end before she ran. “Did you notice she put the rifle down before we took off?”
    Tori gave a sad smile. “Yeah. And I think she was crying.”
    Colt’s eyes widened. “Huh?”
    A car drove past, kicking up dust. Kate waved toward their bikes. “We’d better head home. But Tori’s right. I saw the lady cover her face with her hands, and her shoulders were shaking.”
    â€œWeird,” Melissa said. “What’s up with that?”
    All of them grabbed their bikes and climbed on, then headed back toward Kate’s house. No one spoke as they pedaled their way home, but Kate kept an eye on Tori, worried about what might be going on in her friend’s head. Something didn’t feel right about how Tori was acting, but Kate couldn’t quite figure it out. She needed to get her alone and see if she’d tell her. Maybe Tori didn’t want to say any more in front of Melissa, or even Colt, but she and Kate were best friends. Kate knew in her heart that Tori would tell her everything as soon as they were alone.

Chapter Seven
    Kate and Tori sat on Kate’s bed after telling Melissa and Colt good-bye. Tori had barely spoken after they’d returned and parked their bikes in Kate’s backyard. Since no one seemed to have any interest in planning their parade costumes or talking about anything else, their other friends left. They agreed to get together again sometime the next day, but Kate had whispered to Tori, asking her to stay a little longer.
    Kate scooted up against the headboard and tucked a pillow behind her back, while Tori sat cross-legged at the end of the bed. “So what’s up, Tori? Something’s bugging you, and it’s got to be that horse.”
    Tori ducked her head. “That woman looked so sad, Kate. I think there’s something wrong. Maybe even something worse than kids bothering her.”
    Surprise surged through Kate. This wasn’t what she’d expected. She knew Tori had fallen in love with the black horse, but she didn’t realize she’d be worried about the woman. On the other hand, her friend was one of the kindest kids she’d ever met, and if anyone would feel sorry for someone who threatened to shoot them, it would be Tori. She frowned at Tori’s bowed head. “I guess that’s possible. But there’s nothing we can do about it.”
    â€œWhy not?” Tori lifted her head and met Kate’s eyes.
    â€œYou didn’t see that rifle and hear her tell us to leave? You really want to try that again?”
    Tori’s dark eyes blazed. “Yeah. I do. But just you and me, not Colt and Melissa. I think there were too many of us, and we scared her.”
    Kate stared at Tori. This couldn’t be for real. “No way. That’s nuts. I mean, next time she might shoot us!”
    â€œNaw. I don’t think so. If she was going to, then I think she would have shot in the air to really scare us. Besides, I told you she was crying. That doesn’t sounds like someone crazy enough to shoot at a bunch of kids.”
    â€œMaybe, but I’m not willing to take that chance.” Kate figured that would end the discussion. She’d always been the bold one, and Tori was always so tenderhearted.
    â€œFine.” Tori worried her bottom lip with her teeth.
    Kate breathed a sigh of relief and settled deeper into the pillow. Maybe she should go get them a soda or